Motor-control system.



E. J. MURPHY.

MOTOR CONTROL SYSTEM.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 9. 1911.

1,214,355. Patented Jan. 30,1917.

3 SHEETS-SHEET I.

INS/ENTER EDWJN :1 MURPHY,

E. J. MURPHY.

MOTOR CONTROL SYSTEM.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 9. 1911.

Patented Jan. 30, 1917.

' 3 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

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Hi5 ATTLZHNEY.

E. J. MURPHY.

MOTOR CONTROL SYSTEM. APPLICATION FILED MAY 9. 1911.

Patented Jan. 30, 1917.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

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R FLIUUUUW UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

EDWIN J. MURPHY, OI SCHENEC'IADY, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOB TO GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY, A; CORPORATION OF NEW YORK.

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Specification of letters Patent.

Patented Jan. 30, 191 7.

To all whom it may concern:

Be itknown that I, EDWIN J. MUnr-mr, a citizen of the United States, residin at Schenectady, county of Schenectady, tate of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Motor-Control Systems, of which the following is a specification.

previous application electric circuits, I have found 1t to be particularlv well adapted for use in the control of electric motors. In said application I have also disclosed a system of motor control embodying a plurality of successively closing electromagnetic switches for con trolling the motor circuit having actuating windings adapted to be connected in the controlled circuit, the arrangement being such that when a switch closes, the winding of a succeeding switch is energized b the current in the controlled circuit an the windings of all the switches except the last to close are subsequently deefiergized so that only the last switch remains closed.

It is this system which forms the subject matter of my-fpresent application. In the embodiment o my invention herein illustrated the actuating windings of the several switches are successively connected in the armature circuit and the connections between the several actuating windings and the resistance sections are so arranged that each succeedin gizes the winding of the receding switch so that finally the lastswltch only will be closed. This I may, and preferablytdo accomplish without resorting to the use of interlocking or auxiliary switches.

For the purpose of producing a suitable time interval between the closing of the successive switches in a system of the character above described, I refer to construct each of-the switches as escribed above, so

switch in closing denerthat each switch member will be held from closing by a ma etic force when the current is high and will be permitted to be closed by an opposin force when the current falls to a pr ete'rmined value, although so far as the invention of the system is concerned, it will be obvious that other means might be employed for producing this interval, or that no means of this character need be employed unless such interval .is considered desirable.

Referring 'to the drawings, Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view showing my system of motor control; Fig. 2 is a similar view in which a larger number of sections of resistance is employed; Fig. 3 shows a form of electromagnetlc switch suitable for use with my control system; Fi 4.- is a' section on the ine H of Fig. 3; ig. 5 is a sec-- tion on the line 55 of'Fig. 3; Fig. 6 is a modified form of my system of control;

and Fig. 7 shows an. electromagnetic switch suitable for use in this system.

Referring first to Figs. 1 an 2, in which I have shown my system of m tor control, A represents the armature and F the shunt field of an electric motor. In Fig. 1 I have shown my system employing three sections of resistance for starting the motor, while in Fig. 2 I have shown the system as employing five sections. It will be obvious, of course, that any suitable number of sections may be employed without departing from the spirit of my invention. shall describe the system with articular reference to Fig. 2. The starting resistance in this case is composed of five sections divided into two groups, sections B, R and 'R' constituting one group while sections R and R constitutethe other group. Switches S, S, S, S and S are arranged to cut sections of resistance out of the motor circuit consecutively. It will be seen that the fixed contact 10, 10, etc., of each switch is connected with the moyable switch member 11, 11, etc., of the next succeeding switch has one terminal connected with its own movable switch member while the other terminal is connected with a section. of resista'noe. Taking the switches in; their order the first magnet winding 13 is connected with resistance section B in one group,

- rouo and soon bein successivel conlid nected with alternate groups.

The operation of the system will be as follows: When voltage is applied, current will pass from'the main a, armature A, resistance'Rfl R winding 13 of the electromagnetic switch S, resistances R, R and R back to the main a. lhis causes the motor to start with all the resistance in circuit. Theswitches S, S, etc, are preferably provided with means for preventing the switch member from closing immediately upon the energization of the actuating coils. Various means may be employed for accomplishing this result but ti 'e particular means employed in this case will be described here inafter. At this point, however, it is Sllfilcient to state that the switch member 11 will not close immediately on the energization of the will? but wilLbe closed only when the current'ialls to a p'redetermmed safe value.

When the motor armature rises in speed, the current will fall, and when it reaches the predetermined value due to the increased counter-electromotive force of the motor, the switch S will close. When this closes, the section of resistance R will be short circuited and at the same time the winding 13 of the succeeding switch S will be energized. lhe direction of current will now be as follows: From the main a to armature A, resistances R R winding'13,contacts ll, 10, winding 13 resistances R and R back to the main o. The short circuiting of the resistance ll increases the current momentarily so that the switch S will not operate until the motor speeds up to reduce the current. h on the current again falls to the predetermined value the switch S will close. The closing of this switch short circuits the resistance R and winding lil through the windings l3 and 13'. These windings 13' and 13 being of low resistance, the switch S will open. The short circuited resistance section B then increases the current momentarily and the switch will not immediately close. When it does close, however, it shortcircuits the resistance section B and the winding 13, the direction of current being as fol: lows: from the main o, armature A, resistanoe R, winding ld contacts 11 and 10 winding 13*, resistance section R bash to the main or. After the motor speeds up so as to reduce the momentary rush oi" current due to the short circuiting of the resistance R, switch will close, cutting out section of resistance R and windin 13 ln a similar manner, switch S* will %e closed and short, circuit resistance R so that the motor will o rate with the armature in series with the winding of the switch S. The motor will therefore be running with the switch 8* only closed, the remaining switches S, S", S etc, being open. Upon failure of voltago due to any cause, switch S will open and cannot, be again closed until the other switches are closed in the order stated. This system provides a system motor control in which the interlocking switches and auxiliary coils previously employed for causing the sequence of operation of the switches are dispensed with. The switches which I have employed consist of a single series winding and a single switch member, but it is obvious that my motor control system is in no sense limited to the particular type of switch.

employed, since any suitable means for producing a time interval between the closing of the switches may be provided.

lln ldigs. 3 to l have shown in detail the above described system of control. I

Referring to Figs. 3 to 5, 10 represents a fixed contact and 11 a cooperating movable contact mounted upon an insulating base 12 particular tyne oi switch employed with the of slate or soapstone An electromagnet 13' having a core 14: of magnetic material is mounted upon the base below the contacts. The core 14. passes through a plate id of non-magnetic material, preferably or brass or copper. This is secured to the base, and a lug l5 part of the brass plate. One end or the coil winding is connected to lug l5 and the other end is connected to terminal l3, connection being made to these terals and to contact 10 from the back of the slate base as shown. Qooperating with the magnetic core is is a member 15 of magnetic material pivoted at 16 to an iron support 1?. This support 17 is secured to the brass plate 14, and is in conductive relation with the brass frame and terminal block. The switch member is in the form of a bell crank lever having a bracket 18 pivoted at lilfor carrying the movable contact. 11. This bracket 18 is movable on the pivot 19 to a small errtent by reason of the compression spring 2d which forces the projecting end 21 against the bracket. lhis permits the contact member 12 to move suficiently when it is iorced against the member 11 to furnish a wiping contact. The contact 11 is electrically conn acted with the supporting member 17 by a copper cable 21. Secured to the member 15 is a bar 22 of magnetic material which projects downward so as to cooperate with the polepiece 23 of the magnet. This polepiece is in engagement with the core 14; so as to form part of the magnetic circuit throu h the core. The member 15, together with t e bar 22, constitute in efiect a single armature for the magnet comprising the core 14- and the polepieoe 23, and the weight is so distributed that the parts normally rest in the position shown in Fig. 1. In this position the bar rests against the brass nut 24 constituting a terminal forms a which holds the armature bar 22 out of engagement with the polepiece 23 so as to leave a small air gap at 25. The nut 24 is adjustable on screw 26 so as to vary the air gap and the sprin 27 acts to hold the nut in an position to w ich it is turned. The switc member thus has two armature portions 22 and 15, the former cooperating with the polepiece 23 the core 14.

In order to produce a ma etic force between the polepiece '23 an armature 22 across the air gap 25 suflicient to hold the switch from closing against the pull of the core 14 upon the armature portion15 when the current is high and release it when it is low, I provide a magnetic element 28 which acts as a shunt for the flux of the magnet. This element 28 is in shunt to the air gap 25 and is of limited magnetic carryin capacity. It is secured at one end to the rass plate 14' and at the other end to the pole piece 23. The flux of the magnet thus has lar two parallel paths, one from the core 14 through shunt 28, iron support 17, am 15, and air gap 16' while t e other path is through polepiece 23, across the air gap 25,

armature 22, arm 15 and air gap '16. The shunt 28is shown wide so as to act as a screen. When the current through the magnet winding is relatively low and the flux of the magnet correspondingly low, the magnetic element 28 shunts a relatively portion of the flux around the gap 25 an makes the a relativel inactive.

'When the flux is big due to a igher current, the shunt becomes more hi hly magnetized and no longer shunts so large a portion of the flux. This causes the air gap 25 to become more active. In other words,

when the winding 13 .is-energized at, a relathe stronger magnetic force is weakened by the magnetic shunt path which is now less highly magnetized. While the flux across the gap 16' decreases as the total fluxdecreases, the flux across the gap 25 decreases much more rapidly, since the flux is' a proaching the point at which the shunt will carry a very much greater proportion of the total flux. When the current falls to a, predetermined value, the pull on the armature 15 overcomes the pull on the armature 22 and the switch is closed. As shown in the drawings, the armature 22 is longer than the arm 15 so as to give it a greater leverage. The magnetic force upon the armature 22 tending to hold the switch open may thus be considerably less than that upon the while the lattercooperates with armature 15 tending to'close it and still the switch will be held open. By increasing the air gap 25, the point at which the armature 22 is released may be adjusted. The current in the winding 13 in rising to the higher value at which the switch is held open by the armature portion 22, passes through the lower value at which'the switch will close.

is thus induced in the ring which tempo-.

rarily opposes the increase of the flux in the shunt path; that is, it renders the shunt temporarily inactive, thereby causin the air gap to be sufiiciently active to ho d the switch open while the current is passing through the lower value at which it is adjusted to close. The net result is that when 7 relatively high current passes through the magnet winding the switch will be held open and when the current falls to a predetermined value it will be closed. The relative value of the forces tendin to attract the armature 15'toward the en of the core 14 and the armature 22 against the end of the polepiece 23 may be ad usted by varying the relative areas 0f-the air gaps at these two points, in accordance with well-known laws of electromagnetic action.

Whatever the character of the switches em loyed in my system, it is in some cases desirable that means be provided whereby the closing of the switches may be regulated by the operator; that is, it is desirable to have control by the operator in addition to the automatic control. This is particularly desirable where the automatic control is of the current limit type. This result may-be accomplished in various ways. In Fig. 7 I have shown one method of doing this 1n connection with the specific form of switch above described. This consists of providing an additional winding which holds the switch open while the coil is energized. In this case the coil whichis a shunt coil is mounted upon the shunt 28. The arrangement is such that when the coil 29 is ener-' gized the shunt 28 is magnetized 1n the opposite direction to that in which it is ener- 'gized in the main winding. The flux across the air gap 25 will be increased to such a in Fig. 6 l have shown a plurality of these switches in a motor control system. it will be seen that it difiiers from Fig. 2 only in that the controller 0 is provided for successively controlling the winding 29, 29 and 29 When the line switch L is closed and the controller C is turned to the first position, the actuating winding of the switch '1 will be energized through the armature A and the resistances R, R and R V7 hen the current falls to a predetermined value, the switch 'l will hein a condition to close but will be restrained by the energization of the coil When, "however, the controller is moved to the second position the coil 29 will he deenergized and the switch T will close. As before, the closing of the switch '1 energizes the winding of the switch T and this latter switch will close when the current falls to a predetermined value and the controller has been moved to the next position. way, when the controller is moved to the fourth position the winding 29 will be deie'nergized and the switch T will he closed, thus throwing the motor armature amross the line in series with the winding of switch T It will be seen that l have provided a system of control embodying a plurality of electromagnetic switches in which the closing of one switch to cut out a section of resistance simultaneously energizes the next succeeding switch and deenergizes the preceding switch, this being done without the use oi auxiliary or interlocking switches,

While I have described my invention as employing a specific type of electromagnetic switch and as operating in a specific manner, it should be understood that l do not limit my invention thereto, since various modifications thereof will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of my invention, the scope of which is set forth by the annexed claims.

What 1' claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent oi thellnited States is l. The combination with an electric motor, of a resistance in the circuit thereof, a plurality of electromagnetic switches each comprising an actuating winding and a switch member actuated thereby for successively cutting out sections of resistance, and connections whereby the closing of each switch to cut out a section of resistance simultaneously energizes a succeeding magnot winding and deenergizes a preceding magnet 2. The combination with an electric motor, 7

oi a resistance in the circuit thereof, a plu=- .rality of electromagnetic switches each having a winding in series with the motor and a switch member arranged to be closed by said Winding to cut out a section of 1E" sistance, and connections whereby each switch member in closing to cut out a section inmate of resistance simultaneously energizes a succeeding magnet and deenergizes a preceding magnet winding.

is gle switch member actuated there y for successively cutting out sections of resistance, and connections whereby the closing of each switch to cutout a section oi? resistance simultaneously energizes a succeeding mag net winding and denergizes a preceding magnet winding.

A. The combination with an electric motor of a resistance in the circuit thereof and a plurality of electromagnetic switches for cutting said resistance out of circuit each comprising a switch member arranged to be held open when the current in the magnet winding thereof is relatively and closed when the current falls to a predetermined value, and connections whereby each switch member in closing to cut out a section of resistance simultaneously energizes a succeeding winding and dcenergiues a preceding winding.

5. The combination with an electric motor, of a plurality of resistance sections in the circuit thereof divided into. groups, a plurality of electromagnetic switches each comprising an actuating winding and a switch member actuated thereby for successively cutting sections of resistance out of the alternate groups, and connections where by each switch member in closing to cut out.

a section of resistance simultaneously energizes a succeeding magnet winding and deenergizes a preceding magnet winding.

6. The combination with an electric motor, of a resistance in the circuit thereof, a plurality of electromagnetic switches for successively cutting out sections oi resistance, each comprising a switch member arranged to be held open when the current is relatively high and to close when the current falls to a predetermined value, connections whereby each switch memher in closing to cut out a section of resistance simultaneously energizes a succeeding magnet winding and deenergizes a preceding magnet winding, and electromagnetic means for controlling the closing oi said switch mom hora-liter the current has fallen to a prede termined value. v e

7.. lhe combination with an electric mo tor, of a plurality oi'c resistance motions therefor. divided into two groups, a plural ity ct electromagnetic switches for cutting out sections of resistance each comuiising a fined contac', movable contact. tor enegaging the same, and a winding ticroperah ingsaid morahle member, one terminal oi each oi the successive windings lacing con netted to a section of the alternate resistance nausea groups while the other terminal is connected with the stationary contact of a receding switch and with the movable mem r of its own switch.

8. The combination with an electric motor, of a resistance in the circuit thereof, a plurality of electromagnetic switches for successively cutting out sections of resistance, each comprising a single switch member and a sin 1e winding for actuating the same, each switch being provided with means for reventing the closing of the switch member when the current in the windin is relatively high and causin it to close w en the current falls to a predetermined value, and connections wherebythe closing of each switch member to cut out a section of re.

sistance simultaneously energizes a" succeeding magnet windin and deenergizes a pmcedin gmagnet'win ing.

'9'. he combination with. an electric motor, of a. plurality of resistance sections therefor dividedinto two groups, a plurality of electromagnetic switches for cutting out said sections of resistance each comprising a fixed contact, a movable contact memher for engaging the same, and a winding for operating said movable member, one termine of each of the successive windings being connected to the sections of the alternate groups while the other terminal is connected with the stationary contact of the precedingswitch and with the movable member of its own switch, and means whereby the movable member of each switch is held open when the currentin its winding is high and is closed when the current falls to a predetermined value.

10. The combination with an electric motor, of a plurality of resistance sections therefor divided into two groups, a plurality of electromagnetic switches for cutting out sections of resistance each comprising a fixed contact, a movable contact for engaging the same, and a windingfor operatin said movable member, one terminal of eac of the successive windings being connected to a section of the alternate resistance roups while the otherv terminal is connecte with the stationary contact of one switch and with the movable member of 'anotherswitch.

11. The combination with an electric motor, of a plurality of resistance sections therefor divided into two groups, a plurality of electromagnetic switchesfor cutting out said sections of resistance each comprising a fixed contact, a movable contact member for engaging the same, and a winding for o eratin said movable member one terminal of eac of the successive windings being connected to the sections of the alternate groups while the other terminal is connected with the stationary contact of the one switch and with the movable member of another switch, and means whereby the movable 13. In a control system, a controlled cir- 80 cuit a series of switches therefor arranged to close in a predetermined order, windings for the switchesenergized by the current in the controlled circuit, and connections whereby each switch, except the last, in closing energizes the winding of the next switch to operate and each switch exce t the first causes the switch which precede in operation to open.

14. In a control system a controlled circuit, a series of switchestherefor arranged to close in a predetermined order, windings for the switches energized by the current in the, controlled circuit, and connections whereby the first switchdn closing energizes a winding of the next switch to operate and the next switch in closing causes the switch which receded in operatlon to open.

15. j n a control system, a controlled C11- cuit, a series of switches therefor arranged to close in a predetermined order, windings for the switches energized by the current in the I controlled circuit, and connections whereby each switch except the last, in closing energizes a winding of the next switch to operate and each switch exc t the first causes the switch which precede in operation to opn.

16. The combination with an electric motor, of a resistance in the circuit thereof and a plurality of electromagnetic swit chesfor cutting said resistance out of circuit, wlndings for said switches energized b current in the controlled circuit, each switch comrising a switch member arranged to be l ield open when the actuating current is relatively high and closed when said current falls to a predetermined value, and connections whereby each switch, except the last, in closing energizes a winding of the next switch to operate and each switch exce t the first causes the switch which preceded in operation. to open.

17. The combination with an electric m0- tor of a resistance in the circuit thereof and a pluralitv of electromagnetic switches for cutting said resistance out of circuit each of said switches having a winding in series with the motor and a switch member controlled thereby to prevent its closin when the current is relatively high and old it closed when the current drops to a predeter nnned value and connections whereby each switch member in closing to cut out n section. of resistance energizes a succeeding 1 winding" and deenergizes a preceding wind- 18.. ln e control system, a controlled cir-' curt, a series ct switches therefor arranged to close inn predeternnned order, windin 's for the switches energized by the current in preceded in operation to open.

19. in a control system, c circuit to be controlled, o. resistance therein, a plurality of electromagnetic switches tor controlling the sews the lirst of which has its winding connected in series the resistance, and each switch, except the lost, in closing connectinf; the winding of the succeeding switch in.

the controlled circuit in series with its own and in a parallel circuit with a section ct resistance, and connections whereby thelnst switch in closing connects its own winding in multiple with the resistance end oi the first switch. ln e control system, c circuit to be conollerl, n resistsnce therein, e series of elecorncgnetic switches arranged to close in e edeterrnined order, each switch, except the in closing connecting" the winding oi e succeeding switch in the controlled cir- 'cuit series with its own winding and in e corcllel circuit with a sectionot resistance connections whereby the windings oi" ell switches except the lest ere deenergiteol to cause the switches which they control to open so that only the lost switch reinnins closed,

2i. ln. s control system, a circuit to he controlled, o resistance therein, e plurulity of electromagnetic switches for controlling the i n circuit und'in closing; connects the ct the 'succecdingswitch .e one which hes its wing connected 7 ntents with its own winding and" in a parallel circuit with a section of resistance, and connections whereby said succeeding switchin closing connects its own winding in a parallel circuit with the preceding switch winding and with a section of resistance.

I 22. In a control system, a circuit to be con trolled, a resistance therein, a plurality of electromagnetic switches for controlling the some the first of which has its winding connected in series with the resistance and hetween two sections thereof, and connections whereby each switch, exceptthe last, in closingconnects the winding ot the succeeding switch in series with its own winding and in a parallel circuit with a section of resistance, and the windings of all the switches except the last are cle nergiced whereby only the last switch remains closed.

23. in a control system, c circuit to be controlled, a resistance therein, a plurality of electromagnetic switches for controlling the some, the of which has its winding connected in series with the resistance and each switch, except the last, in closing connecting the winding of the succeeding switch in' the controlleolcircuit in series with its own winding, end connections whereby the lost switch in closlng connects its own winding in multiple with the resistance and the winding of the switch.

2t. ln s control system, c circuit to be controlled, e resistance therein,.a yolurelity of electromagnetic switches for co trolling the some, one oi which has its winding connected in said circuit end in closing connects the winding of the succeeding switch in series with its own winding and in s porullel circuit with c section oi resistence, and connections whereby seid succeeding switch in closing shortcircuits the preceding switch winding end c section of resistance so that the preceding switch opens end siniulteneously niches circuit tor its own winding which is independentot the preceding ln witness whereoil, l hove hereunto set my hend thiseth dey or ltlny, will.

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